An historic achievement was recorded by Maccabi Haifa’s amputee soccer team, which won the first-ever Conference League trophy following a 4-0 victory over Scotland’s Ayr. The Greens entered the match after two wins in their first two games, needing only a draw to secure the title, but finished the tournament in even more impressive style.
Ben Binyamin scored the opening goal and completed a brace five minutes later. Aviran Ohana added the third, and in stoppage time Ben Maman made it 4-0 following an assist by Yanir Cohen. With the final whistle, emotions poured out, and coach Sharon Paz struggled to hold back tears.
This was the inaugural edition of the EAFF Conference League tournament, which was held in Bucharest and hosted by Steaua Bucharest. Among those playing for Maccabi Haifa are amputees injured during their military service, Nova festival survivors, and road accident victims.
The Conference League trophy presentation ceremony took place last Friday at 5:00 p.m.